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T O P I C R E V I E W

Shuttleman

Shuttleman's Tribute to the Space Shuttle Program

When Scott "Shuttleman" Phillips realized in 2009 that the Space Shuttle Program would end in 2011, he knew he wanted to create a tribute to honor everyone who worked on the program.

He began designing and collaborating on a special project that took more than two years to complete. The one-of-a-kind display is a tribute to honor the dedicated astronauts who flew on the shuttle flights and all the people who worked on the shuttle program.

Scott is known for crafting unique one-of-a-kind shuttle model art pieces. The exhibit incorporates 20 different hardwoods in the base and shuttle model. The backdrop displays the NASA commemorative pins depicting all of the shuttle flights from 1981 to 2011.

This project was created as a tribute, not only to those who worked on the program, but to create a visual legacy for future generations of space enthusiasts.

Scott has a complete collection of crew lithographs and documentation in support of this project for historical reference.

The display tends to invoke a magical quality. The commemorative pins summon memories and transport us to a place of reminiscing. As a way to take us to the very beginning of the program, a launch countdown recording from the first shuttle in 1981 is embedded in the display.

As a Space Shuttle Team Member for over 30 years, assembling this project was bittersweet as Scott remembered each and every flight that the pins represent.

When asked where his inspiration came from, Scott said, "I thought about the 30+ years I dedicated to the program and all the people whom I came in contact with. It was not as much about the hardware but more about the dedication of those who made it happen. That, coupled with my hobby of woodworking and a way to keep me focused as the program was winding down, was my inspiration for this tribute."

The Space Shuttle Program may be coming to an end, but Scott plans to continue his passion of crafting one-of-a-kind shuttle models and sharing his experiences in his upcoming book, Remove Before Flight. He plans to share this tribute at NASA events, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, schools, museums, and speaking engagements.

Shuttleman

Norman.King

A beautiful piece of work, absolutly magnificent.

garymilgrom

Scott, when the panels are closed it appears you can still look "inside" and see the wooden Shuttle. Is there any significance to this way of viewing the art?

Congratulations on a beautiful piece!

fredtrav

Very nice Scott.

apolloprojeckt

Very nice work, a piece of art...

Mr Meek

Very, very cool, Scott. I look forward to seeing it in person at the USSRC.

history in miniature

Scott, the look on your face says it all, congratulations on this project. Now, let's get that book finished.

KSCartist

To put it simply...

OUT "FREAKING" STANDING.

Super job Scott - a beautiful piece of art.

saturn1b

As usual Scott, you've outdone yourself! What a piece of work!

GoesTo11

WOW...That is fantastic! What a beautiful piece of work, and obviously a labor of love.

Jay Chladek

Now THAT is a very beautiful thing. I can't think of anything more to say honestly as I am speechless looking at it.

Gilbert

Very nice magnum opus for you, Scott.

garymilgrom

Here's Scott with the STS-133 crew:

And here's a close up of their signatures:

garymilgrom

Here are some photos showing the project at an early stage. Is that Scott thinking in the bottom photo? That seems dangerous to me!

Shuttleman

See my interview by NASA on my shuttle model building passion and memories of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The space program inspired me with my passion of model building starting at the age of 10... enjoy.

Jay Chladek

So Scott, would you say your career is "in the tank" now?

Seriously though, good interview video and I am glad you are still a model builder. Granted the models are a little different, but no less love is put into them than before.

garymilgrom

Scott asked me to post these. The completed Tribute:

With the STS-134 crew:

Jay Chladek

I hope the other members of 134 can be convinced to sign it. I had a chance to check out the display when I paid Scott a visit at Marshall a couple days after 135 flew. I must say, it looks VERY impressive in person. Meeting Scott in person, I can appreciate the passion and love he has had for working in what I still think is the best business to be involved in (working in the space program). He certainly helped to give me some memories that will last a lifetime. Not many have been able to express their love on a level that others can appreciate or even understand. But Scott's sculpture model has helped me to understand anyway.

garymilgrom

Scott asked me to post these shots of the STS-135 crew signing and completing his tribute recently at Marshall.

I would love to travel with this tribute to show this and the next generation what we did with the Shuttle Program... I am asking the cS community for suggestions or ideas I could use to accomplish this. Have Tribute will travel! Thanks for your support.

Gilbert

Simply put, the tribute is a work of fine art and a labor of love. I was honored to have it on display in my home.

Shuttleman

I would like to call on my collectSPACE friends to view a photo of our Space Shuttle Tribute in a WoodCraft Company contest. Let's show the woodworking community the love we had for the Space Shuttle Program! Thanks for your great support by liking...

icarkie

Nice work Scott, you have got a very beautiful piece of woodcraft. Well done mate.